Australian motorists are being warned to monitor conditions carefully while driving as state and territory governments commence enforcement utilizing roadside cameras. There have been more initiatives on reckless driving behaviors. These cameras do more than identify cases of overspeeding; they can also detect mobile phone usage and cases of non-compliance using seatbelts.
One of the steepest penalties drawing attention this year is the $989 fine issued for offences detected by roadside cameras. These fines are tailored to the mobile phone ‘offenders’ and worse, are repeat offenders. Some states have court appearances, demerit points, and licensing suspension for offenders. ‘Experts argue that the amount is set that high to serve as a deterrent to distracted driving, one of the more dangerous driving behaviors in Australia.’
Cases of drivers using their mobile phones while driving is one of the greatest concerns to police and road safety agencies in Australia. Like in any country in the world, Australia has a monitoring system put in place to detect offenders. Data from the system shows that there are thousands of offenders caught each month.
Artificial intelligence is integrated into roadside cameras and deployed as part of an automated system for issuing penalty notices to motorists who look down or remove their hands from the steering wheel described as an offence. The authorities contend that the punitive stance taken by these jurisdictions saves lives by reducing dangerous conduct.
A National Approach to Road Regulation
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Amounts | Around $989 average fine; varies slightly by state (NSW close to average; QLD & VIC vary due to levies) |
| Demerit Points | Standard low points charged nationwide, adding to penalties |
| Roadside Cameras Expansion | Cameras now capture speed, mobile phone use, red-light running, and seatbelt non-compliance |
| Camera Operation | 24/7, unmarked cameras cause confusion among drivers about when monitoring is active |
| Road Trauma Concern | Authorities invest in technology to reduce costly road trauma |
Involuntary Offenders
The sudden issuance of fines by post is what many motorists are stating to be the cause of frustration, which arises from not knowing the sequence of events regarding the moments and places that triggered the commencement of the monitoring. Several road use groups contend that while enforcement is necessary, public awareness campaigns should correspondingly be strong. They argue that fines for careless driving set at $989 can impose a severe burden on families, especially during times of rising cost-of-living. There is an ongoing conversation about whether the proceeds from fines should be directly applied to road safety initiatives.
Emails to Driver
Law enforcement is serious and wants all motorists to interpret that message without ambiguity: don’t use phones while driving, buckle up, and do not relax on any traffic rules. With the proliferation of cameras on road, chances of being caught have never been higher and the punishments are draconian. As we continue through 2025, the $989 fine still applies for the offence, which underscores the fact that driving can be very expensive, not to mention the potential loss of life, especially when there is a decrease in attention.
